Forster Art Complex, Ross Gallery: April 7 - 11, 2025

Artist Statement
Laurel M. Schmiege

In every aspect of my life, my health is ever present. I have loved and studied art for years, and when I became incredibly sick, I turned to art. Art has always been a great comfort to me whether I am at my best or at my worst, whether I am at college being a student or in the hospital being a patient. My health has been devastating and traumatic, but I have and will always try to find the humor and fun that can come from my plight. My art reflects this outlook on life. I love creating pieces that make me smile and that bring me joy. I fill my life with fun and color, and I fill my art with fun and color even when the subject might be dark and gloomy. I love bright, yet calm colors, and I love cute, quirky styles. I stylize my art with flat, bold, decisive colors and line art because I want to capture my subject matter with no uncertainty. Just as I have learned to smile in front of others so they do not have to suffer with me, my art style has become a shield to protect others from the dark and gloomy. I want my art to educate people on what my chronic illness and disabilities are like while not getting bogged down in the tragedy of it all.

I hope that this show will encourage those struggling with something difficult. It is okay to be struggling, and it is okay to be upset about it, but find something to keep you going. For me, that is my family, friends, and pets which is why they are the focus of a lot of my pieces. Despite everything I am going through, I have made beautiful art that I am proud of.